Building on the momentum of one of the world’s fastest 5G deployments, India is now setting its sights on replicating that success in the satellite communication (satcom) sector. The domestic satcom market is projected to grow nearly tenfold, reaching an estimated $20 billion by 2028, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Monday.
Speaking on the sidelines of a telecom industry event, Scindia emphasized the government’s proactive approach toward accelerating policy formulation for satcom services. “TRAI has submitted its recommendations on the regulatory framework for satellite spectrum, and we are currently in the final stages of vetting those proposals,” he said. “We are eager to push forward the policy framework swiftly. Now that TRAI has completed its task, the onus is on us.”
Scindia underscored that satellite technology will not compete with but rather complement terrestrial telecom networks, particularly in reaching underserved and remote areas. “I am confident that the rollout of India’s satellite network will be among the fastest globally in the coming years,” he added.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when global players, including SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, are eyeing India’s vast and still-evolving satcom landscape. The government’s policy direction is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory environment and investment climate.
Industry analysts believe that with supportive policies, India could not only bridge its digital divide but also emerge as a global hub for satellite communications.
